Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:255 Discovery Drive
Howes Cave, New York
Tel:
(518) 296-8900
Discovered in 1842 and located 156 feet below ground level, Howe Caverns is the second most visited natural tourist attraction in New York State and is filled with cave adventures the whole family will love.
Geologists believe that the formation of the cave at Howe Caverns, as with many speleothem cave formations, began when limestone deposited hundreds of millions of years ago. Today, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the awesome 80-minute tour which ends at the Lake of Venus, situated inside the cave, and marks the end of Howe Caverns property. Visitors can opt for the two hour Adventure tour which simulates natural cave exploration with the assistance of a guide.. There is no artificial lighting on the tour trail and "explorers" must be equipped with cave gear including a cave "suit" appropriate for the cold, muddy journey. And if you're really daring, you can choose the Lantern tour, (suitable for ages 16 and up), half of which is experienced by lantern light, offered Friday and Saturday nights only. A sprawling lodge offers a restaurant, motel, gift shop and snack bar. When planning your visit, be sure to bring a jacket as the caverns are about 52 degrees year-round.
To get to Howe Caverns from New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and points south, take New York State Thruway north (I-87) and west (I-90) to Exit 25A, then I-88 west to exit 22, and then east on Route 7 one mile to County Route 9.